Notes on Schedules of Reinforcement

Schedules of Reinforcement

a rule stating which instances of behavior, if any, will be reinforced

Continuous Reinforcement (CRF)

reinforcer received after every correct target response/desired behavior - results in rapid learning

Example of Continuous Reinforcement

giving a treat to a dog every time it sits on command

Intermittent/Partial Reinforcement (PRF)

reinforcing behavior only occasionally rather than every time it occurs, leading to slower learning but increased resistance to extinction.

Example of Intermittent Reinforcement

slot machines rewarding a cash prize after unpredictable number of plays

Ratio Schedules

subject must make a certain number of correct responses in order to be rewarded

Fixed Ratio (FR)

subject is required to make the same number of responses for each reward

Variable Ratio

number of responses required for each reward changes from one reward to the next. there is an average number of responses required in order to be reinforced

Interval Schedules

reward is delivered after a certain amount of time has passed since the last correct reinforced response

Fixed Interval

length of time following each reward is the same - rfcr is delivered for the first target response after a fixed period

Variable Interval

length of time following each reward varies - rfcr is delivered for first target response after a variable amount of time

Interval Schedules with Limited Hold

target response is reinforced only if it occurs after a certain time interval following the previous reinforcement and within an interval

Duration Schedule

the rfct, occurs after the behavior has been engaged in for a continuous period of time

Fixed Duration (FD)

the period that the behavior must be engaged in is constant from rfct, to rfct

Variable Duration (VD)

amount of time the individual must engage in the behavior varies around some average amount of time